Safety warning notice to public

Pursuant to paragraphs 129(1)(a) and 129(1)(b) of Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, I, BRUCE BILLSON, Minister for Small Business:

(a) state that the consumer goods specified below are under investigation to determine whether those goods will or may cause injury to any person, or a reasonably foreseeable use (including a misuse) of those goods, will or may cause injury to any person; and

(b) warn of possible risks involved in the use of those goods.

Particulars of goods

Fire wallets are a product used by magic enthusiasts and are also a novelty item. They have the appearance of a regular leather wallet but when opened they can produce a large flame. The products contain absorbent pads that the user pre-fills with lighter-fluid. All of the products have some kind of mechanism that is used to ignite the flame.

Investigation

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is investigating whether fire wallets will or may cause injury to any person, or a reasonably foreseeable use (including a misuse) of those goods will or may cause injury to any person, due to possible asbestos content in these goods, following the identification of asbestos content in fire wallets supplied in Australia by two suppliers.

Possible risks

There is a possible risk to consumers handling or using fire wallets sold by All Media Collectables on ebay since July 2011, and by a stall holder at the Royal Melbourne Show in September 2013, due to identified asbestos content in these goods. Exposure to airborne asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Advice to consumers

Stop using the product immediately

Double-bag it in durable plastic bags

Store it away safely, well out of reach of children

Email the ACCC at productsafety@accc.gov.au to be sent safe disposal advice or call the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502 Mon-Fri 8:30am – 8pm.